The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1887-12-05
HOT SPRINGS VApORS.
LITTLE LIST OF WANTS PREPARED
TO PRESENT TO CONGRESS.
The Bath-House Trust Gould's Crow
ing Interests-Hot Springs as the
Future Capital Of Arkansas-The New
Constitution.

Special Correspondence OF the Appeal
Hot SPRINGS, Ark, Dec. 3-Pcompted
by desire to sec the extensive interests of
Uncle Sam here embellished, Hot Springs
will go before the coming Congress with a
well-defined list Of wants. First, there is
wanted new and improved bathing es-
Enlistment for the poor, the facilities at
present afforded INDECENT bathers being de-
cidedly crude and inadequate. Secondly,
the public clamors for some of the treasury
surplus to extend the arch over Hot
Springs creek TO the outskirts Of the city.
For the third item an appropriation is de-
sired to erect reservoir with ample ca
pacity TO hold the thousands OF gallons OF
hot water now running TO waste. The
fourth want is a public building COM
mensurate with the dignity and demands
OF town OF $1,000 cosmopolitan inhab-
itants.
In addition TO the aforesaid batch of
wants, all agree that Congress should do
nate the unsold government lots here 10 the
school board of the city, the funds accru-
ing from the sale thereof TO be devoted TO
public educational needs. When 1t is re-
membered that the government, in the
graceful capacity of arbiter over dis
puted land possessions, absorbed four
tiiths in value of the city OF Hot Springs
in assuming control Of the hot waters, the
semblance Of inordinate greed entirely dis
appears from the little list OF wants as
specified above; and certainly no worthier
method of reducing the surplus can be
presented.
-Four palatisl bathing establishments are
undergoing erection on sites leased from
the government on the hot water reserya-
ton. The grand total of lighthouses win
thus he swelled TO sixteen. The govern
ment limits the number OF tubs in each TO
forty, and assesses yearly tax OF SIS on
each tub for water privileges, and in adj
ditlon makes 30 cents the maximum price
for bath. There exists here what might
be called bath-house trust, all the bath
ing interests being pooled. Apr0pos, il is
not yet known whether Senator Jones. OF
this State, will revive his bill seeking 10
give direct control of lighthouses TO the
interior department in lieu OF the present
system of leasing privileges TO private
parties. The idea of the government going
into the bath-house business outright is
altogether too European and destructive of
popular constitutional theories to suit the
potent and grave senators and congress
men, judging from expressions already
made in the premises by some OF them.
Senator Voorhees,, for instance, il content
10 let well enough alone, and is accounted
a vigorous defender Of the existing system.
Although Mr.. Gould controls and
operates roads in all directions in Arkansas,
he signs for more. A few years more and
no important section Of the State will be
without n Gould feeder. A permanent
survey has Just been completed Of q line
running from Fort Smith southcastward,
tapping the ST. Louis, Iron Mountain *
Southern road ut or near Gurdon, and II is
said work has already begun on the road.
This route touches magnificent coal field
in Sebastian and Scott counties, and will
penetrate portion OF the mineral region
OF Montgomery county. Gould keeps a
weather eve on Hot Springs in the
interim, and is prepared TO parallel any
movement tending 10 give this city the
salvation OF competing lines.
Sentiment In favor OF q new constitu-
ton Is growing throughout the State, and,
in line Herewith, the fatcs would certainly
decree Hot Springs the capital, II this were
only a railroad center. When the State
press convention met here few years ago,
some Of the appreciative editors came,
saw and were conquered, the result being
they metaphorically threw their hats In
the abr and crowed IN bold type for Hot
Springs as the future seat OF government
oi the commonwealth The not distant
future might indicate tho enthusiasm OF
those prophets. Who can tell1
II II said the internal revenue Office nc
Little Rock may have 10 engage additional
clerical work IL prohibition continues In
Hot Springs. II is an of day in that de-
partment when license is not issued for
the sale Of liquors in this degenerate haven
OF how not 10 prohibit
Having been necessiiated by lack Of rail-
road facilities 10 decline entertaining TO-
600 Odd Fellows at the next sovereign
conclaye, Hot Springs will consistently
refrain from asking for the Democratic or
Republican national conventions next
year